On Tuesday, Southern Water, Anglian Water and South East Water asked the competition regulator to reconsider bill increase plans.

It came as the London-listed group also disclosed plans to hand money back to investors through a share buyback.

It came as InterContinental Hotels Group revealed that operating profits grew by 10% as it benefited from more hotel openings.

The chef said the deal will help him to expand further internationally and create more partnerships across the group.

The competition watchdog has warned that Topps could face a more thorough probe after its deal to buy 30 CTD stores last year.

The fast fashion retailer has been in talks over an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange over the past 12 months.

Shares in Mony Group lifted higher in early trading on Monday as a result.

The British Beer and Pub Association warned that urgent Government action is needed to avoid more ‘completely avoidable’ closures.

The FTSE 100 finished 32.26 points, or 0.37%, lower to end the day at 8,732.46.

The FTSE 100 finished 42.72 points, or 0.49%, lower to end the day at 8,764.72.

The CMA is among regulators which have faced demands from the Government to help its ambitions to accelerate economic growth.

The Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum maker announced plans last year for a demerger of the ice cream arm as part of a major turnaround plan.

The historic retailer said it is working with 49 new brands for its spring and summer 2025 collection.

The retailer blamed the closure on forthcoming Budget tax and wage increases.

Niesr said it was projecting the UK economy would grow by 1.5% this year, lifting its previous forecast of 1.2%.

Bellway said its private reservation rate was ‘strongly ahead’ year-on-year to 127 per week for the six months to January.

The FTSE 100 finished 67.27 points, or 0.77%, higher to end the day at 8,767.80.

The London-listed defence and telecoms business said the deal with the aerospace firm was worth 20.9 million dollars (£16.8 million).

Shares in both firms have more than doubled over the past year, with Barclays up 111% and NatWest 105% higher.

The PA news agency looks at the outcome of the Bank of England’s decision, and whether rates will fall again soon.